Children's Librarian - Westchester Square Library

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The New York Public Library is seeking a Children’s Librarian to help children from infancy through the pre-teen years become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. The role provides public library services, resources, programs, and community connections for children and their families and caregivers. The Children’s Librarian provides reference services and resource recommendations; develops and facilitates literacy, reading, arts, STEM, early literacy, and other programs; helps shape and maintain a diverse and relevant children’s collection; and encourages children to engage with the collection and develop digital literacy. The position also builds partnerships with schools and community organizations, maintains children’s space and online content, mentors staff presenting children’s programs, and supports branch operations. The librarian may oversee the facility, staff, and operations when the Library Manager is absent. The position is based at Westchester Square Library, reports to Luz Marin, and is scheduled for 35 hours per week during regular branch hours. The work environment is a public service library.

Requirements

ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies.
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.
Strong commitment to public service and ability to work well with a diverse patronage.
Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for children and their parents or caregivers.
Knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that make up a balanced, relevant youth collection.
Experience developing, maintaining, and marketing children’s collections.
Experience building partnerships with local organizations and schools to better meet community users’ needs.
Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
Strong computer and related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs, and e-reader devices.
Demonstrated knowledge of computer services, including online searching, social media, reference resources, and databases.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service trends, and programming trends for children in urban public libraries.

Responsibilities

Provide reference services and resource recommendations using print, media, and digital resources.
Collaborate with the Youth Educational Services Department to develop, promote, and facilitate programs that build literacy and a love of reading and meet community needs, including storytimes, early literacy programs, arts programming, STEM programs, and summer reading events.
Partner with the collection development team to shape and maintain a diverse, current, and relevant children’s collection.
Engage children with the collection so they can follow existing interests and discover new ones.
Conduct outreach and develop partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, daycare centers, and community groups serving children to promote library services, collections, programs, and resources.
Encourage digital literacy and provide age-appropriate technology instruction to children.
Develop and maintain content for social media platforms, including Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
Develop and maintain the layout and appearance of the children’s space to provide a safe, inviting area with relevant resources.
Mentor library staff in preparing and presenting children’s programs.
Assist with circulation, fines and fees management, reserves, and opening and closing procedures.
May take responsibility for facility, staff, and operations in the absence of the Library Manager.
Maintain knowledge of trends in children’s literature, youth services, and the profession through professional learning and participation.
Perform related duties as required.